Whitman College recently released its student fees for the 2012-2013 academic year. Tuition for next year is set at $41,790, a four percent increase from last year, and is the lowest tuition increase the college has had since 2000. Despite this lower-than-average tuition increase, questions regarding the sustainability of the higher education model that have persisted for years now continues to be asked today.

Recently, students have been raising concerns regarding the switch in the admissions policy from need-blind to need-sensitive admission. At an ASWC town hall meeting Oct. 24 and in comments since then, students have discussed the policy, especially in terms of its effect on the diversity and the makeup of campus.

When prospective students apply to Whitman, they are required to write a short essay addressing the question of diversity.  Yet  despite Whitman's focus on diversity,  some students remain concerned...